Step #1: Lectio / Read

​Step #2: Meditatio / Meditate

Use the following meditation to help you reflect more deeply on the Scripture (you may want to read the passage again).

​As ridiculous as it might sound as soon as I read today’s Gospel passage, the hit song from the ever-insightful High School Musical saga, “We’re All in This Together” immediately came to mind. Now I realize that reference might date me a little bit, but for those of you who haven’t had the opportunity to dive into the wonderful world of Troy, Gabriella, and friends suffice it to say that the song in question relies heavily on the theme that we are (you guessed it) all in this together; that none of us stands alone and that we should all seek to encourage one another and lift each other up.

Cheesy, I know.

But I think if we’re being honest, there’s also some truth in it. In the Gospel reading today, the Lord offers us an all too relatable nugget of wisdom. He tells us that “if a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand.” Now I realize that in this specific passage, the Lord is referring to Satan and his kingdom (which I hear isn’t all that pleasant), but I think Christ’s words apply to more than just the Evil One and all that he has dominion over.

I don’t know about you guys, but this sage warning has become a reality more than once in my own life. I have seen, far too many times, how unhealthy conflict can be highly destructive in all kinds of organizations (clubs, groups, families, friendships, etc.). To be honest, as brothers and sisters in Christ we frequently spend more time tearing each other down than we do building each other up. All too often, the Evil One convinces us that if we spend our time highlighting other people’s failings it’ll make ours less obvious. Now it’s true that sometimes the Lord invites us to call one another on, but if that encouragement doesn’t come from a place of genuine love, then it can do a lot more harm than good.

So today let’s ask the Lord for the grace to authentically love one another, to build each other up as brothers and sisters in Christ. Because at the end of the day, we’re all in this together.

​Step #3: Oratio / Pray

These questions are to be used to talk to God; have a conversation with the Lord about these questions and what is going on in your heart as you pray today.

​What are you doing to build up your brothers and sisters in Christ? How are you authentically loving those around you?

​Where have you seen unhealthy conflict in your life? What can you do to actively combat that conflict and help bring about peace?

​Who has shown you authentic love? Who can you show authentic love?

Step #4: Contemplatio / Contemplate

In this step, you listen. Stop talking, let God speak to your heart. You may repeat one of these short phrases to focus your mind on the Lord.

​"Build your Kingdom here."

​"Open my heart, Lord."

"Love one another intensely from a pure heart."

​Step #5: Actio / Act

In light of today's reading and your time spent in prayer with the Lord, what concrete action or actions will you take to let this encounter with Lord bear fruit in you today?

​Seek out someone today who you know needs to be shown authentic love. Instead of highlighting their failings, take the time to affirm them and show them that you love and care for them.

​Smartphone Lock Screen

The following image is here for you to save and use as a background or lock screen on your smartphone or device to help you carry today's Lectio Divina with you the rest of the day.

Today's prayer was prepared by Lauren Wright, an Adore Missionary and Youth Minister in Rockford, IL.